Onnie67

Have you attende a seminar yet? That was a turning point for me. I also have talked with patients too. This really is a *tool* and to be successful (from what I am understanding) you have to be willing to under go lifestyle changes. Are you ready to do that? I also have about 100 pounds to loose, and I realize that I can not do it alone. I have looked into support groups to help. As for the insurance, what I did was called my insurance and asked them what I needed to do. They had me call surgery pre-certification and I got my requirements in order. Mine **seems** so much easier than most, but I have not submited my paperwork yet for approval. I am still working on all the **requirements**

I will check my medical records, but at my "smallest" 6 years ago I was 202 and that is a BMI for me of 33.6...I believe the past 5 years have all been above 35. Thanks for the info!

Ok, having talked to my insurance (NEIB-managed by bcbs and medical cost management) I have found out that though BCBS IL is a pain in the butt to deal with, our union has the final say about the go ahead... so far I have leared that my requirements are as follows: 1. height, weight, bmi (easy enough) (done) 2. TSH levels (again easy) (done) 3. physical and history 4. cardio and pulmonary clearance 5. 5 years of diet information 6. pyscologist 7. comorbidity My concerns are what comorbiities are considered... I have GERD, planters fascia, fatigue, menorrhagia, and had my gallbladder removed. I am going for a sleep study to rule in/out sleep apena. my BMI is 39.66 (5'5" 238lbs) My tsh levels were normal I also have a family history of diabetes. My family doctor is doing my physical and history on 4/8 and he needs to include my weight gain for the past 5 years, medications, and other health factors... Is there anything else you guys know of that will help the approval along?? Thanks!!

Have you tried using a fruit spread in your cottage cheese? My girlfriend turned me on to raspberry (i use simply fruit) mixed into the cottage cheese...yummm!!!!

Went to the seminar 3/08... Met with doctors nurse to go over insurance 3/18 Pulmonary-done.. cardiologist 4/9 pyscologist 4/8 nutritionist 4/28 2 classes sleep study 4/28 surgery date n/a

I love coke...regular, plain ole coke. BUTTTT I hate being fat. So the choice is do I drink my cola or change my lifestyle? What I have started doing (per my doctor) was weaning myself off the pop. I am down to 2 a day...next week it will be 1 per day then 1 every other day...until I am done. It is hard, but I want this so bad. I don't have a surgery date as of yet, but I am working on my pre-op stuff!! Tonya, IL

I hope my first intro made it...lol!:crying: Tonya, IL